“Climate change in relation to human rights is one of the most neglected topics. It is very important to know that human civilisation has the right to a clean environment and the responsibility of taking care of the environment”
It is a well-known fact that the ever-growing activities that people participate in have monstrous deleterious effects on the world’s climate. Climate change is considered the greatest threat to human rights in the 21st century. In South Africa, it poses a significant threat to water resources, food security, health, infrastructure, biodiversity and ecosystem services. Yet, with all the readily available information, it is striking to see the number of people that are left behind and are unaware of this problem. Climate change solution requires complete human solidarity, for that to be achieved, people should know that there is a problem at hand. Awareness brings consciousness, for example, growing up in many African villages, a change in seasons means different foods availability, traditional activities and cultural practices. When seasons are easily predictable, they know when to sow and when to harvest and there is always enough food. Food insecurity has increased drastically due to climate change, which disrupts the existing cultures that depend on seasonality for food production in the local food systems. It is therefore important to have science communication on climate change that is factual, easily accessible and relatable to people especially those in remote communities. This calls for concerted efforts in ensuring that natural resources and the environment are utilised sustainably, which fosters posterity. Climate change education should be tailored across different ages, cultures and races. Therefore, it is important to do this by imploring different means of information dissemination at all levels.
The preservation, conservation, and restoration of the Earth is necessary for the enjoyment of the basic human rights to health, good and nutritious food and general wellbeing. The gap between the uninformed and informed should be closed in order to have streamlined efforts in creating a sustainable world that the future generations can be proud to live in. Climate change is a serious problem that can be solved if we all commit to reducing our carbon footprint and bringing awareness to everyone around us. Also, a change in attitude towards natural resources and the environment is vital and can be achieved despite the many uncertainties in the present time.
It is important to note that it is not only humans at risk but all species on earth are threatened by the detrimental effects of climates changes. This should bring to our attention that the causes of global warming should be addressed not by only the government but it is the responsibility of each and every individual in the world. The longer we delay climate action, the more all species on earth are at risk. This requires the participation of all citizens in the world, but some individuals are still in denial and some if not most industrial companies contributing to the emission of greenhouse gases would rather make money instead of considering the impacts of their actions on the future generation which can be seen as greedy. However, we still must find ways to get companies and communities involved in taking action against climate changes.
By:
Mmapula Lesailane
National Coordinator - Climate Science South Africa
Vaylen Hlaka
Treasurer- Amnesty Stellenbosch Chapter
Community Representative - Climate Science South Africa
